EPA MPG

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2012 aston-martin v12-vantage Model Overview

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The Aston Martin V8 Vantage arrived late 2005 as the premium British automaker’s entry-level grand touring coupe. It opened the door for more people to own a “James Bond” car as well as offer fans of the infamous brand a smaller and lighter alternative to the larger V12 cars.

Over the years the 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage’s V-8 engine grew from 4.3 liters to 4.7; bringing more horsepower and torque with it. Several special edition models have been available including the Vantage GT4 race-ready car. Last year, four special edition models were available including the V8 Vantage S. But the most intoxicating Vantage is the V12 Vantage that became available in 2009. The car is powered by the same 510-horsepower 6.0-liter V-12 as Aston Martin’s DBS flagship (excluding the ultra low-volume $1 million plus One-77). Ride height has been lowered 15 mm and spring rates are 45 percent stiffer. Sway bar rates are up 15 percent front and 75 percent rear.

The V12 Vantage comes with all the luxury amenities one would expect from an exclusive British automaker including a leather – and Alcantara-wrapped interior, and crystal push-button start system. In short, the V12 Vantage is Aston Martin’s fastest and best handling package that can still coddle the driver.

Not many changes are in store for the 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage — last year the S model joined the V8 Vantage line along with four 2011 model year-only special additions. The S is a permanent stay and offers 10 more horsepower and 15 more lb-ft of torque over the base V8 Vantage. It also brought a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the stable. This year minor changes to the V8 Vantage include: a Garmin satellite navigation system, beam blade windshield wipers, and three new brake caliper colors to select from.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage (along with the V12 Vantage) is the smallest “Bond” car — and the most affordable. It is slightly shorter overall than the current Corvette and has seating for two people. It features a bonded aluminum structure. The body is constructed of aluminum alloy, steel, composite, and magnesium alloy. Extruded aluminum side impact bars protect occupants. 18-inch wheels are standard; 19-inchers are optional. The V8 Vantage has projector-beam and HID headlamps. LED taillamps are standard. S models add unique wheels; carbon fiber side strakes, front splitter, and rear diffuser among other pieces.

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage’s interior features plush full grain leather with Alcantara headliner; power seats; and automatic temperature control. Steering wheel mounted audio controls are standard for the base 160-watt audio system. Alloy dash trim is standard and piano black trim is available. Heated, memory seats are available. Voice-activated Bluetooth, a 700-watt audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II, and personalized sill plates are among the option list. Buyers can also step up to a 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower technology. Optional carbon fiber and Kevlar composite seats save 37pounds per car. Gauges are redesigned to be more legible at speed. Carbon fiber and Alcantara are used throughout the cabin to help lighten the car’s overall mass.

The V12 Vantage is powered by a 6.0-liter Aston Martin V-12 making 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It trumps the most powerful V8 Vantage S model by 80 horsepower and 59 lb-ft of torque. The extra power and torque help scoot the V12 Vantage to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds according to the automaker. That’s 0.4 seconds faster than they claim the V8 Vantage S can achieve — although in Motor Trend testing a 420-horsepower V8 Vantage with the six-speed manual did the 0 to 60 mph run in 4.1 seconds and went through the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph. The V12 Vantage is no doubt quicker yet. Aston Martin claims the V12 Vantage can hit 190 mph. It is mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. The V-12 engine weighs 220 pounds more than the V-8 engine the car was originally designed for. Through the use of lightweight materials throughout the body and interior the V-12 only weighs 55 pounds more than V-8 powered cars. A rear-mounted transaxle helps it achieve a 51:49 front/rear weight distribution.

Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assemblies. The recall began on February 11, 2014. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's recall number is RA-03-0017. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes recall 13V-228. Any vehicle that has been remedied under the previous recall needs to have the current remedy applied.

Units Affected

5001

Recall ID#14V753000 - SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Consequence

If the electronic control module fails, the seat heater could get hot enough that areas of the seat may overheat and smolder, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 DB9, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, DBS, and Virage vehicles manufactured July 3, 2006, to November 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters may fail, preventing the seat heaters from being able to be turned off.

Remedy

Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional module to the circuit that can interrupt the power to the seat heaters in case the electronic control module for the seat heaters fails, free of charge. The recall began in January 2015. Owners may contact Aston Martin Customer Service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this recall is RA-01-0019.

Units Affected

7256

Recall ID#13V228000 - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Consequence

If the throttle pedal arm breaks, the engine will return to idle and the driver will be unable to maintain or increase engine speed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Aston Martin is recalling certain model year DB9, Virage, V8 Vantage, V12 Vantage, and Rapide vehicles manufactured from May 14, 2012, through April 10, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the throttle pedal arm may break.

Remedy

Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the throttle pedal assemblies. The recall began July 19, 2013. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's recall number is RA-03-0016.

Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to tire failure and a possible crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Aston Martin is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 V12 Vantage Coupe vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems." On these vehicles, the low tire pressure warning light will not illuminate until the tire pressure in the front tires is more than 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure.

Remedy

Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software for the tire pressure monitoring system free of charge. The manufacturer notification to owners on February 12, 2013. Owners may contact Aston Martin at 1-888-923-9988.